Frequently Asked Questions

The Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s wants to make your experience with our team as comfortable as possible. The following answers to frequently asked questions will help you understand our services and the approach we take to your child’s care:

Q: My child has surgery tomorrow. When should she stop eating and drinking?

A: Patients should not eat any solid food after midnight. They can have clear liquids (apple juice, gelatin, water) until four hours before the time of surgery. Orange juice and formula are not clear liquids, so do not give them to your child during this time period.

A: Here are some indications that your child may be a candidate for PE tube insertion:

Your child has otitis media with effusion that has been present for eight to 12 weeks, in spite of adequate medical therapy

Recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (at least four a year)

Persistent high negative middle ear pressure associated with one of the following: conductive hearing loss, persistent or recurrent otalgia, persistent or recurrent vertigo, or a retraction pocked of the tympanic membrane

My child is scheduled for surgery next month. When should I fill out the pre-operation physical examination form?

A: The pre-operation physical examination form must be filled out by your child’s pediatrician or family doctor. Make an appointment for the examination no more than 30 days prior to the date of surgery. Bring the completed form with you on the day of surgery.

A: If your child takes any medications on a regular basis, make a list of them. Include the name, strength and your child’s current dose of each medication. Bring this list with you on the day of surgery. It is not necessary to bring the medication.

Please arrive at the appropriate office appointment site approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment for registration purposes. You will need to bring your most recent insurance card. ADC / Medicaid card, or (Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps) letter of approval with you.

Many insurance companies require referral forms or their own insurance claim forms be submitted before reimbursement will be made. Please supply us with all necessary forms at the time or your office visit. If your insurance company requires referral and we do not have that referral at the time of your visit, you will be required to sign a release. In addition, all CO-payments are due at the time of your office visit. For your convenience we accept cash, check, money order, Visa, or MasterCard.

The insurance policy you carry is a legal contract between you and your insurance company. Although we bill your insurance company directly, we ask that you monitor your monthly billing statements from us to assure that your insurance company pays your claim in a timely manner.

We accept all commercial insurance plans as well as many Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Preferred Physician Organizations (PPO). Remember to always check with your insurance company to see if it will cover our services. Our billing office is available to assist you with any billing questions at (513) 636-7296.

Contact Us

For more information about the Divison of Pediatric Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, or to refer a patient, contact us.